Portable signal device



Oct. 2, 1962 s. JORRITSMA PORTABLE SIGNAL DEVICE Filed 001;. 3, 1960 a H g N Wm m m 7 NW 7 IJ A W f 0v. B

United States Patent Ofitice 3,056,954 Patented Oct. 2, 1962 3,056,954 PORTABLE SIGNAL DEVICE Sidney Jorritsma, 155 W. Cork St, Kalamazoo, Mich. Filed Oct. 3, 1960, Ser. No. 60,031 13 Claims. (Cl. 340-321) This invention relates to a portable signal device. The principal objects of this invention are:

First, to provide a portable signal device which includes a light signal and an audible signal which may be independently turned on or used or simultaneously turned on or used.

Second, to provide a combined electrically powered flash light and horn signal device with control switches which are positioned for very convenient manipulation.

Third, to provide a signal device having these advantages which may be supported by a shoulder strap, belt or the like and is relatively light of weight and in which its electrical parts are housed so that they are not likely to be accidentally, or by careless handling, rendered inoperative.

Objects relating to details and economies of the invention will appear from the description to follow. The invention is defined and pointed out in the claims. A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a signal device embodying my invention, the suspending straps being partially broken away.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view with the inner side wall removed disclosing the relation of the parts to each other and the parts arranged within the housing, the switches and electrical connections being shown, partially, conventionally.

FIG. 3 is a view of a vertical section illustrating structural details of the control switch and certain details of the wiring.

FIG. 4 is a further illustration of the relation of the wiring to the signal members and to the batteries, the switches not being illustrated as arranged .for simulta neous closing as in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

The embodiment of my invention illustrated comprises a rectangular body member designated generally by the numeral 1 and including a top wall 2, bottom 3, end walls 4 and one side wall 5. These parts in the embodiment illustrated are shown as being desirably formed integrally of plastic material. The top, bottom and end Walls have integral shoulders 6 spaced inwardly from their edges 7 there being integral nut elements 8 at the juncture of the side walls with the bottom wall and with the partition 9 which is spaced relative to both the top and bottom, providing an upper chamber 10 and a lower chamber 11.

The second side wall 12 is dimensioned to closely fit within the walls 2, 3, and 4 as is illustrated in FIG. 1, its outer side when positioned as in FIG. 1 being desirably flush with the edges of the top, bottom and end walls and it is provided with holes aligned with the nuts 8 to receive the attaching screws 13 which have threaded engagement with the nut elements 8 which are, as stated, integral portions of the body or housing member 1. Battery circuit contact members 14 and 15 are mounted on the end walls of the chamber 11 in opposed relation in the embodiment illustrated, being designed to receive a plurality of batteries 15A which are in practice of the commonly used commercial type. Details of the batteries are not illustrated as such details form no part of this invention although batteries or other sources of like current do constitute a part of the applicants operative combination.

The flash light member 16 is mounted on the top wall and a horn or like audible signal member 17 is mounted on the top wall in spaced relation to the light signal member. Details of the signal members 16 and 17 are not illustrated as they are or may be commercial items. The light members 16 and the sound signal member 17 are spaced so that the control switches therefor designated by the numeral 18 is positioned between them, which is a convenient position for manipulation as well as for inside wiring. The light signal 16 is controlled by the switch 19 and the horn or audible signal by the switch 20, the switches being conventionally illustrated. The light signal 16 and the audible signal 17 are connected by the circuit wire 21 and 22 to the batteries. Battery contact switches 14 and 15 are connected to the horn and to the batteries by the circuit indicated at 23 and 24. These connections are conventionally illustrated as showing the connection of the horn and light signals to the switches and to the source of power.

In the embodiment illustrated, the switch 18 includes a slidable manually actuated switch member 25 and a push button 26, both mounted on the same housing 27. As is illustrated in the drawings, the switch member 25 is slidable on the housing and is provided with a contact 28 which coacts with the switch 19 and with a contact 29 which coacts with the switch 20. The contact 28 is positioned so that in one adjusted position of the member 25 the switch 19 is closed to turn on the light or connect the light to the source of power and in another adjusted position the contact 29 is brought into engagement with the sound signal switch while the contact 28 remains in engagement with the switch 19 so both the sound and light signals are actuated. The push button 26 is adapted to connect the horn or turn on the horn or audible signal independently of the light signal so that either the light or the audible signal may be turned on independently or they may both be turned on simultaneously.

The signal device is especially designed to be worn by hunters or fishermen who may become lost or by handicapped people or children who may become lost or need assistance.

The structure illustrated in the embodiment of my invention is compact and the casing is desirably waterproof so that it may even be carried by or attached to a swimmer.

In the embodiment illustrated the hanger or suspending straps 30 are retainingly connected to the casing by inserting the same through the strap retaining loops 31 fixedly secured to the ends of the casing so that the strap may be looped around the bottom of the easing and the casing directly rests thereon, the switch unit being positioned between the light signal, and the sound signal is in condition for very convenient operating.

I have illustrated and described my invention in a highly practical embodiment thereof. I have not attempted to illustrate or describe various modifications or adaptation-s which might be deemed desirable as it is believed that the disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to embody or adapt my invention as may be desired.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

'1. A signal device including a portable casing comprising a rectangular body member including integral top, bottom, end and a first side wall and having an integral horizontal partition extending between said end walls in spaced relation to said top and bottom providing upper and lower chambers, said top, bottom and ends walls having continuous internal shoulders spaced inwardly from their edges at the open side of the body member, there being integral nut elements at the juncture of said bottom wall and said partition with said end walls, a second side Wall dimensioned to fit within said top, bottom and end walls at the outer sides of and in supporting engagement with said internal shoulders therein, said second side wall having bolt receiving openings therein aligned with said nut elements, bolts for detachably securing said second side wall within said body member in supported engagement with said shoulders therein, battery contact circuit members mounted within said lower chamber, a battery disposed in said lower chamber in coacting relation with said battery circuit contact members, a flashlight member mounted on said top wall, a horn member mounted on said top wall in spaced relation to said flashlight member, said fiashlight and horn members having current connections to said battery contact members, a first switch mounted within said upper chamber and having circuit connection with'said flashlight member and with said battery contact members, a second switch mounted within said upper chamber and having circuit connections with said horn member and with said battery contact members, a manually operated switch closing member slidably mounted on said top wall between said flashlight and horn members and operatively associated with said first and second switches and adapted when in one adjusted position to close said first switch and in another adjusted position to close both said first and second switches, and a manually operable second switch closing member mounted on said top wall in operative relation to said second switch whereby said flashlight member and said horn member may be independently actuated or simultaneously actuated.

2. A signal device including a portable casing comprising a rectangular body member including integral top, bottom, end and a first side wall and having an integral horizontal partition extending between said end walls in spaced relation to said top and bottom providing upper :and lower chambers, said top, bottom and end walls having continuous internal shoulders spaced inwardly from their edges at the open side of the body member, a second side wall dimensioned to fit within said top, bottom and end walls at the outer sides of and in supporting engagement with said internal shoulders therein, battery contact circuit members mounted within said lower chamber, a

battery disposed in said lower chamber in coacting relation with said battery circuit contact members, a flashlight member mounted on said top wall, a horn member mounted on said top wall in spaced relation to said flashlight member, said flashlight and horn members having cur-rent connections to said battery contact members, a first switch mounted Within said upper chamber and having circuit connection with said flashlight member and with said battery contact members, a second switch mounted within said upper chamber and having and in another adjusted position to close both said first and second switches, and a manually operable second switch closing member mounted on said top wall in operative relation to said second switch whereby said flashlight member and said horn member may be independently actuated or simultaneously actuated.

3. A signal device including a portable casing comprising a rectangular body member including integral top, bottom and a first side wall and having an integral horizontal partition extending between said end walls, in spaced relation to said top and bottom providing upper and lower chambers, said top, bottom and end walls having continuous internal shoulders spaced inwardly from their edges at the open side of the body member, there being integral nut elements at the juncture of said bottom Wall and said partition with said end walls, a second side wall dimensioned to fit within said top, bottom and end walls at the outer sides of and in supporting engagement with said internal shoulders therein, said second side wall having bolt receiving openings therein aligned with said nut elements, bolts for detachably securing said j second side wall within said body member in supported 1 engagement with said shoulders therein, battery contact circuit members mounted within said lower chamber, a l battery disposed in said lower chamber in coacting relation with said battery circuit contact members, a flashlight member mounted on said top wall, a horn member mounted on said top wall in spaced relation to said flashlight member, said flashlight and horn members having current connections to said battery contact members, a first switch mounted within said upper chamber and having circuit connections with said flashlight member and with said battery contact members, a second switch mounted within said upper chamber and having circuit connections with said horn member and with said battery contact members, and means for closing said switches separately or simultaneously.

, 4. A signal device including a portable casing comprising a rectangular body member including integral top, bottom and a first side Wall and having an integral horizontal partition extending between said end walls, in spaced relation to said top and bottom providing upper and lower chambers, said top, bottom and end walls having continuous internal shoulders spaced inwardly from their edges at the open side of the body member, a second side Wall dimensioned to fit Within said top, bottom and end walls at the outer sides of and in supporting engagement with said internal shoulders therein, battery contact circuit members mounted within said lower chamber, a battery disposed in said lower chamber in coacting relation with said battery circuit contact members, a flashlight member mounted on said top wall, a horn member mounted on said top wall in spaced relation to said flashlight member, said flashlight and horn members having current connections to said battery contact members, a first switch mounted Within said upper chamber and having circuit connections with said flashlight and with said battery contact members, a second switch mounted within said upper chamber and having circuit connections with said horn member and with said battery contact members, and means for closing said switches separately or simultaneously.

5. A signal device including a portable casing having a battery chamber therein dimensioned to supportedly receive a plurality of batteries, battery circuit members mounted within said casing, a plurality of batteries 'disposed in said battery chamber in coacting relation with said battery circuit contact members, a light signal member mounted on said casing, an audible signal member mounted on said casing in laterally spaced relation to said light signal member, said light signal and audible signal members having circuit connections to said battery contact member, a first switch mounted within said casing and having circuit connections with said light signal member and with said battery contact members, a secwith said battery contact members, a manually operated first switch closing member slidingly mounted on said casing between said light signal and audible signal members and operatively associated with said first and second switches and adapted when in one adjusted position to close said first switch and in another adjusted position to close both said first and second switches, and a manually operated second switch closing member mounted on said casing in operative relation to said first switch whereby said light signal member and said audible signal member may be actuated independently or simultaneously.

6. A signal device including a portable casing, battery circuit members mounted within said casing, a battery disposed in said casing in coacting relation with said battery circuit contact members, a light signal member mounted on said casing, an audible signal member mounted on said casing in laterally spaced relation to said light signal member, said light signal and audible signal members having circuit connections to said battery contact member, a first switch mounted within said casing and having circuit connections with said light signal member and with said battery contact members, a second switch mounted within said casing and having circuit connections with said audible signal member and with said battery contact members, a manually operated first switch closing member slidingly mounted on said casing between said light signal and audible signal members, and operatively associated with said first and second switches and adapted when in one adjusted position to close said first switch and in another adjusted position to close both said first and second switches, and a manually operated second switch closing member mounted on said casing in operative relation to said first switch whereby said light signal member and said audible signal member may be actuated independently or simultaneously.

7. A signal device including a portable casing, battery circuit members mounted within said casing, a battery disposed in said casing in coacting relation with said bat tery circuit contact members, a light signal member mounted on said casing, an audible signal member mounted on said casing in laterally spaced relation to said light signal member, said light signal and audible signal members having circuit connections to said battery contact member, a first switch mounted within said casing and having circuit connections with said light signal member and with said battery contact members, a second switch mounted within said casing and having circuit connections with said audible signal member and with said battery contact members, a manually operated first switch closing member mounted on said casing and operatively associated with said first and second switches and adapted when in one adjusted position to close said first switch and in another adjusted position to close both said first and second switches, and a manually operated second switch closing member mounted on said casing in operative relation to said first switch whereby said light signal member and said audible signal member may be actuated independently or simultaneously.

8. A signal device including a portable chambered casing, a battery disposed within said casing, a light signal member mounted on said casing, an audible signal member mounted on said casing in laterally spaced relation to said light signal member, said signal members being operatively connected to said battery, a first switch mounted within said casing and having circuit connections with said light signal member and with said battery, a second switch mounted within said casing and having circuit connections with said audible signal member and with said battery, said switches being disposed between said light and audible signal members, a manually operated first switch closing member mounted on said casing between said signal members and operatively associated with said first and second switches and adapted when in one adjusted position thereof to close said first switch and in another adjusted position thereof to close both of said switches, and a manually operated second switch closing member mounted on said casing in operative relation to said first switch whereby said light signal memher and said audible signal member may be actuated independently or simultaneously.

9. A signal device including a portable chambered casing, a battery disposed within said casing, a light signal member mounted on said casing, an audible signal member mounted on said casing, said signal members being operatively connected to said battery, a first switch mounted within said casing and having circuit connections with said light signal member and with said battery, a second switch mounted within said casing and having circuit connections with said audible signal member and with said battery, a manually operated first switch closing member mounted on said casing and operatively associated with said first and second switches and adapted when in one adjusted position thereof to close said first switch and in another adjusted position thereof to close both of said switches, and a manually operated second switch closing member mounted on said casing in operative relation to said first switch whereby said light signal member and said audible signal member may be actuated independently or simultaneously.

It). A signal device including a portable chambered casing, a battery disposed within said casing, a light signal member mounted on said casing, an audible signal member mounted on said casing in laterally spaced relation to said light signal member, said signal members being operatively connected to said battery, a first switch mounted Within said casing and having circuit connections with said light signal member and with said battery, a second switch mounted within said casing and having circuit connections with said audible signal member and with said battery, said switches being disposed between said light and audible signal members, and a manually operated first switch closing member mounted on said casing between said signal members and operatively associated with said first and second switches and adapted when in one adjusted position thereof to close said first switch and in another adjusted position thereof to close both of said switches.

11. A signal device including a portable chambered casing, a battery disposed within said casing, a light signal member mounted on said casing, an audible signal member mounted on said casing, said signal members being operatively connected to said battery, a first switch mounted within said casing and having circuit connections with said light signal member and with said battery, a second switch mounted within said casing and having circuit connections with said audible signal member and with said battery, and a manually operated first switch closing member mounted on said casing and operatively associated with said first and second switches and adapted when in one adjusted position thereof to close said first switch and in another adjusted position thereof to close both of said switches.

12. A signal device including a portable chambered casing, a battery disposed within said casing, a flashlight signal member mounted on said casing, an audible signal member mounted on said casing, said signal members being operatively connected to said battery, a first switch mounted within said casing and having circuit connections with said light signal member and with said battery, a second switch mounted within said casing and having circuit connections with said audible signal member and with said battery, said switches being disposed between said light and audible signal members, and manually operated means mounted on said casing between said signal members for closing first switch and second switch selectively or simultaneously.

13. A signal device including a portable chambered closing first switch and second switch selectively or casing, a battery disposedwithin said casing, a flashlight simultaneously. signal member mounted on said casing, an audible signal References Cited inthe file of this atent member mounted on said casing, said signal members p being operatively connected to said battery, a first switch 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS mounted within said casing and having circuit connec- 8 1,264 s h h M 10, 190 tions with said light signal member and with said battery, 1,424,402 Hartman Aug. 1, 1922 a second switch mounted within said casing and having 1,645,487 Harling Oct, 11, 1927 l circuit connections with said audible signal member and 1,946,059 Buchholz Feb. 6, 1934 i with said battery, and manually operated means for 10 2,194,992 Walsh Mar. 26, 1940 i 

